DV500
Research Seminar in Development Studies
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Kathleen Meagher
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MRes/PhD in International Development. This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.
Course content
This seminar is designed as a forum for discussing theoretical and methodological issues in Development Studies research. Modules are organized around broad methodological issues (e.g. research design, case studies, causal inference) and presentations of research, with the former featuring heavily in the MT and the latter in the LT and ST. Research presentations at the seminar are made by International Development research students and also by staff, with some invited speakers from outside.
All research students are expected to attend the seminar while in residence in London. First year students are required to present a draft of their research proposal to the seminar during the LT or ST. Continuing students are invited to make presentations based on a report of their research, draft chapters or even their final draft of the dissertation. In making their presentations students are asked to provide (a) background material about the particular issue at hand, (b) a clear statement of the research questions and/or hypotheses that are being addressed, and (c) discussion of the research methods to be employed. Students should inform their supervisor(s) of the date when they are scheduled to make a presentation.
Teaching
15 hours of seminars in the MT. 15 hours of seminars in the LT. 10 hours and 30 minutes of seminars in the ST.
Assessment
This course is not assessed.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: International Development
Total students 2019/20: 8
Average class size 2019/20: 8
Value: Non-credit bearing
